Glycerol Formula

Glycerol formula is given here along with its structural and extended chemical formula. Glycerol is also known as glycerine or glycerine is a non-toxic, viscous, colorless, and a simple triol compound. Glycerin or glycerol has several benefits and is mostly used in dermatological treatments and in the food industry as a preservative and sweetener.

Glycerol Chemical Formula

Glycerol has 3 carbon atoms, 8 hydrogen atoms, and 3 oxygen atoms. It has a molecular weight of 92.09 g/mol and its IUPAC name is 1, 2, 3- Propanetriol or 1, 2, 3- Trihydroxypropane. The chemical and molecular formula for glycerol (glycerine) is given as-

Chemical Formula of Glycerol

C3H8O3

Extended Glycerol Molecular Formula

CH2OH-CHOH-CH2OH

Structural Formula of Glycerol

Glycerol molecule consists of a 3-carbon chain with 3 hydroxyl groups (OH) attached to each of them. The carbon atoms have sp3 configuration and so, the molecule has a free rotation. The glycerin structural formula is represented as-

Glycerol is soluble in water and is hygroscopic. It is an important compound and its backbone is found in all lipids known as triglycerides. Its use ranges from pharmaceuticals to food industry and in cosmetics (like soaps).

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Practise This Question

Electrolyte can conduct electricity because

Their molecules contain unpaired electrons, which are mobile

Their molecules contain loosely held electrons which get free under the influence of voltage

The molecules break up into ions when a voltage is applied

The molecules are broken up into ions when the electrolyte is fused or is dissolved in the solvent